About Chicago State University
Chicago State University has served the South Side of Chicago since 1867 as a historically black public university. The school enrolls 1,414 students and focuses on programs in education, business, and health sciences. Women make up 69% of the student body, while 76% of students are Black and 80% come from Illinois. This full university operates on Chicago's South Side with a strong community mission.
Students pay an average net price of $10,133 after financial aid, making it relatively affordable for families across income levels. Nearly 55% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $42,778 ten years after leaving school, though they typically carry $30,625 in debt. The monthly loan payment averages $325, which can strain budgets given the earnings trajectory.
Chicago State faces significant retention challenges, with only 47% of students returning for their second year. The six-year graduation rate stands at just 17%, one of the lowest among four-year institutions. However, the school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Cougars. Students who do complete their degrees find work at an 90% employment rate.
Students pay an average net price of $10,133 after financial aid, making it relatively affordable for families across income levels. Nearly 55% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many low-income families. Graduates earn a median of $42,778 ten years after leaving school, though they typically carry $30,625 in debt. The monthly loan payment averages $325, which can strain budgets given the earnings trajectory.
Chicago State faces significant retention challenges, with only 47% of students returning for their second year. The six-year graduation rate stands at just 17%, one of the lowest among four-year institutions. However, the school maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and competes in NCAA Division I athletics as the Cougars. Students who do complete their degrees find work at an 90% employment rate.
Academics & Faculty
Chicago State University serves as a historically black institution on Chicago's South Side with a strong focus on education, business, and health sciences programs. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio provides intimate classroom settings where professors know students personally. However, the 21% four-year graduation rate reflects significant challenges students face, often stemming from financial pressures and life circumstances common in urban settings. The university's full programs attract students seeking affordable degrees in teaching, nursing, and business administration. Many graduates become educators in Chicago public schools or healthcare workers in South Side communities. The low retention rate of 47% indicates students need substantial academic and financial support to succeed in their degree programs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 21.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 16.9%
- Retention Rate
- 46.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,778
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,252 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $68,858 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,814 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $40,368 |
| Social Work. | Master | $39,639 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,856 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,437 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $32,391 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,443 |
Campus Life
Chicago State University sits on Chicago's South Side, where students experience the full force of Midwest winters that demand heavy coats and boots. Only 19% of the 1,414 students live in campus housing, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where many students head home after classes. The small residential community means those who do live on campus form tight bonds in the limited dorm space.
The university serves as an anchor in its predominantly African American community, with 76% of students being Black. Students often spend weekends exploring Chicago's cultural offerings or working part-time jobs to help with expenses. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom settings where professors know students by name. Campus life revolves around academic programs rather than traditional college social scenes, reflecting the practical focus of students who are often first-generation college attendees. The Cougars compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 144 total athletes, though sports events draw modest crowds from the tight-knit campus community.
The university serves as an anchor in its predominantly African American community, with 76% of students being Black. Students often spend weekends exploring Chicago's cultural offerings or working part-time jobs to help with expenses. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom settings where professors know students by name. Campus life revolves around academic programs rather than traditional college social scenes, reflecting the practical focus of students who are often first-generation college attendees. The Cougars compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 144 total athletes, though sports events draw modest crowds from the tight-knit campus community.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 275 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1867
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 19°–32°F
- July Avg
- 68°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 40.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
Chicago State University serves predominantly Black students from Chicago's South Side, with women making up about 70% of the 1,414 enrolled students. This historically black institution draws 80% of its students from Illinois, reflecting deep roots in the local community. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income families. The female majority connects to strong programs in education and health sciences. Students here often balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing degrees that prepare them for careers serving their communities.
- Men
- 30.7%
- Women
- 69.3%
- White
- 2.8%
- Black
- 76.2%
- Hispanic
- 7.0%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 80.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 55.0%
Location
Chicago State University sits on Chicago's South Side, serving as an anchor institution in one of America's largest cities. The campus operates within a metropolitan area of nearly 10 million people, placing students at the heart of the Midwest's economic center. Chicago's South Side carries deep cultural significance as a historic center of African American life and music, from blues to hip-hop. The university draws 80% of its students from Illinois, reflecting its role as a local institution. Students have access to internships, jobs, and cultural experiences that only a major city can provide. The South Side location connects students to neighborhoods rich in history and community engagement. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Chicago State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Chicago, Illinois 60628-1598
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $42,778
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,497
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 24.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $325/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $30,625
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Chicago State University?
Chicago State University accepts 48.51% of applicants. This public historically black university on Chicago's South Side provides accessible higher education opportunities with a focus on serving the local community.
How much does Chicago State University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,133 annually at Chicago State University. The school charges the same tuition rate of $12,754 for both in-state and out-of-state students, making it relatively affordable for all.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Chicago State University?
Chicago State University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with only 1,414 total students enrolled. This small enrollment creates an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention in programs like education, business, and health sciences.
What is the graduation rate at Chicago State University?
Only 16.90% of students graduate within six years at Chicago State University. The university faces significant retention challenges, with just 46.75% of first-year students returning for their sophomore year.
Where do students live at Chicago State University?
Campus housing accommodates just 275 students at Chicago State University, while 80.37% of the student body comes from in-state. Most students commute from Chicago neighborhoods, reflecting the university's role as a local community institution.
Does Chicago State University compete in Division I athletics?
Chicago State University fields 11 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division I as part of the Northeast Conference. The Cougars athletic program supports 144 student-athletes with $2,032,946 in athletic scholarships available.
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